READING, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Termites are not very active during the winter months when the soil is cold or frozen; however, when temperatures begin to warm, hungry termites aggressively begin searching for food. Termites primarily feed on wood but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems.
According to the National Pest Management Association, each year termites cause more than $5 billion in serious property damage. In observance of the National Pest Management Association’s Termite Awareness Week, March 15-21, the Rentokil family of pest control companies (Ehrlich Pest Control, Western Exterminator, and Presto-X Pest Control), offer four important prevention tips that will help protect your property from these silent destroyers:
- Remove stored wood, debris and cellulose materials from under, in and around the property and under the house—Storing wood against or under your house or property on a soil sub-floor will provide an attractive food source and nesting site for subterranean termites. It can also hide evidence of termites invading your property. Remove any wood and/or debris (dead leaves) away from the house and business.
- Repair leaking taps and pipes—This includes leaking taps, pipes and hot water overflow pipes under or around your home or business. Repairing these will reduce moisture levels, which attract subterranean termites close to or under your property.
- Remove dead trees or stumps—Dead trees and stumps are ideal sites for termites to create nests. Remove or have them treated to reduce the risk to your property.
- Don’t allow climbing plants or bushy gardens to grow against the structure—Climbing plants growing against the side of the structure of your property provide termites with an undetected entry. The roots of some plants can also penetrate the foundations of your property allowing an access that is very difficult to locate. Ensure roots have at least a 12-inch clearance from the structure and don’t plant trees that are known for sending roots under slabs close to the home or business.
“The four most common termite species in the United States are subterranean termites, Formosan termites, damp wood termites and dry wood termites. Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species of termite as they eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Sean Hunter, Wood Destroying Organism Division Manager, Rentokil North America. “We call termites silent destroyers because they are difficult to detect by an untrained eye. It’s entirely possible to notice termite property damage before you identify the termites themselves. If you suspect an infestation, a trained pest management technician can help identify the type of termite and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.”
For more information, visit Rentokil’s online Essential Guide to Termites: http://bit.ly/GuideToTermites.
Editor Note: Infographic available for media use
